Lee, Cortez Masto Lead Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Residential Energy Permitting and Capitalize on Nevada’s Solar Energy Boom for Homeowners

WASHINGTON– Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03), Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Streamlining Home Installations of New Energies (SHINE) Act. The legislation seeks to streamline local government permitting for rooftop solar and other clean residential energy systems, capitalizing on Nevada’s booming solar industry to help lower energy costs for consumers. 

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. 

Nevada led the country last year in solar energy jobs per capita and has long been one of the top ten states for solar energy production in the nation — but across the country, local governments are struggling to keep pace with the number of applications they are receiving for residential distributed energy systems. When these permits take weeks, or even months, to process, it means higher prices, fewer local jobs, and a worse customer experience for homeowners. 

The SHINE Act directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to work with state and local governments to encourage and facilitate adoption of an online tool developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory — SolarAPP+ — that automates permitting and approvals of residential renewable energy systems, saving time, lowering utility costs, and creating new jobs in the transition to a clean energy future.   

“As one of the top ten states for solar in the nation, the clean energy transition is already well underway in Nevada. But permitting delays for rooftop solar and other residential energy systems are making this transition more costly and more time-consuming for homeowners, businesses, and local governments alike,” said Congresswoman Lee. “The SHINE Act is a launchpad for a proven permitting approach that will cut delays, save homeowners money, boost our small businesses, and maximize government efficiency — all at minimal expense to the taxpayer. That’s what I call a bipartisan no-brainer.” 

“We need to make it easier for Nevada businesses and homeowners to take advantage of our growing clean energy economy and tap into the lower energy prices that solar panels can provide,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “By cutting red tape and streamlining permitting processes, this legislation will lower costs, create jobs, and help support a more sustainable future.” 

“If we truly want to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future, we need to make it easier for everyone to install energy systems like rooftop solar and battery storage in their homes,” said Senator Heinrich. “By reducing the time it takes to approve rooftop solar and home energy systems, the SHINE Act will help to bring more people on board in the transition to a clean energy future — all while cutting costs and supporting new jobs New Mexicans can build their family around.” 

“With an average 300 days of sunshine per year in our state, Arizonans deserve reliable and affordable access to solar energy,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “The SHINE Act works to cut bureaucratic red tape and streamline the permitting process for homeowners seeking to adopt solar energy systems, encouraging the use of this abundant, sustainable energy source.” 

“Rooftop solar and other distributed energy resources present tremendous opportunities to build a more sustainable future; however, permitting barriers exist that add unnecessary costs and delays for homeowners,” Congressman Tonko said. “I am proud to support the SHINE Act to build upon DOE’s proven efforts to break down these barriers to ensure more efficient, cost-effective solar deployment. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bipartisan, commonsense legislation.” 

You can read more about the SHINE Act and find a full list of endorsements — including the Solar Energy Industries Association, League of Conservation Voters, Advanced Energy United, and Nevada Conservation League — here. 

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